Desert Island Books

If you were ever to be stranded on a desert island, you’d definitely want it to be one with such an extensive library as that chosen by the I Am A Reader participants! Each person picked up to 3 of their favourite books and we’ve gathered them into one giant recommended reads list - 144 very varied titles. All titles are of course available for you to borrow from Inspire Libraries.

The physical list and book collection forms part of our I Am A Reader display, currently at Beeston library until 24th November. You can also browse the list online on our I Am A Reader Pinterest board (click through from any of the books on the Pinterest board to find it on our library catalogue.)

It’s no exaggeration to say that there’s something on the list for everyone, whatever their likes or dislikes. Here’s just a taster of some of the books and genres on offer:

Classics range from Homer to Austen and Dickens on to 20th Century titles such as The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Alice Walker’s The color purple. Modern literature, from Margaret Atwood to Matt Haig is also well represented, to the very recent Clock Dance by Anne Tyler and Burntcoat by Sarah Hall.  Plenty of children’s books have also stood the test of time –The Secret Garden and Alice in Wonderland make an appearance, alongside Roald Dahl’s Matilda, and the brilliant A monster calls by Patrick Ness.

Crime is always a popular genre, and here is no exception, with Ian Rankin, Elly Griffiths and Martina Cole some of the featured authors. Our selectors were also fond of Scifi and fantasy, from The Hobbit to Game of thrones via Jennifer L. Armentrout’s From blood and ash to one of my own new favourites, All systems red by Martha Wells.  We also have some graphic novels, including the classic Watchmen by Alan Moore, and long-time popular manga Fullmetal Alchemist.  

The list also includes sagas, chicklit, horror, poetry and non-fiction, even a couple of plays!  Or if you don’t mind what genre something but want something heart-rending, there’s I know why the caged bird sings by Maya Angelou and The way back by Erich Remarque.  For something humorous, we’ve got you covered with The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Cold Comfort Farm and P.G. Wodehouse’s Jeeves.

Do have a look at the list and tell us what you think – how many have you read? Is one of your favourite books on there?  What book would you add to the list?